The Perennial Bachelor · Chapter
XXXII explained
Lily, alone in the house, makes candy for Victor and discovers in the society pages that Lucy Hawthorn has returned to New York as the Countess de la Villeblanche.
What happens
Lily, alone in the house, makes candy for Victor and discovers in the society pages that Lucy Hawthorn has returned to New York as the Countess de la Villeblanche. Victor, upon learning this, writes to Lucy and travels to New York to see her, but finds her transformed into a stout, aging woman surrounded by family and luxury. He returns home, disappointed, reflecting on how she has aged.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Lily's loneliness without Maggie is palpable as she plays Tiddley-winks alone and fears being alone in the world.
The Passage of Time
Victor's shock at Lucy's aging and his own sense of youth highlight the inevitable passage of time.
Unfulfilled Love and Marriage
Victor's romantic expectations of Lucy are dashed, leaving him with a sense of loss and complacency.
Nostalgia and Loss
Victor's memories of Lucy as a 'slim white dryad' contrast with her current appearance, evoking nostalgia for the past.
Characters to notice
- Lily Campion
Lonely without Maggie, makes candy for Victor, reads society pages, discovers Lucy's return, fears being alone and old.
- Victor Campion
Writes to Lucy, travels to New York to see her, is disappointed by her appearance, returns home.
- Lucy Hawthorn
Now the Countess de la Villeblanche, a widow, appears fat and old to Victor, surrounded by family and luxury.
- Maggie Campion
Mentioned as absent, causing Lily's loneliness.
Key passages
“She wasn’t quite sure about playing Tiddley-winks on Sunday, but she was so lonely in the evening without Maggie, she had to do something.”
Lily felt guilty about playing a game on Sunday, but her loneliness without Maggie drove her to it.
Highlights Lily's isolation and her struggle with religious observance.
“And he saw himself receiving into his arms that piteous and fragile figure, heard her say brokenly: “Victor—at last—””
Victor imagined a romantic reunion with Lucy, where she would be fragile and need his comfort.
Shows Victor's idealized fantasy of Lucy, which is later shattered.
“The March air flowed cool and delicious over his hot face, he let his mouth relax from its stretch of polite and nervous smile.”
Victor felt relief as he left Lucy's apartment, his forced smile fading in the cool air.
Indicates Victor's discomfort and disappointment during the visit.